Putin lays out terms for talks with Zelenskyy, Northern allies provide new air defense shield for Ukraine - Wednesday brief
RBC-Ukraine collage
Putin said he might meet Zelenskyy, but only if the Ukrainian leader comes to Moscow. Zelenskyy announced Ukraine will get another air defense system from Nordic and Baltic countries before winter.
Read more about what happened on Wednesday, September 3.
Putin sets condition for meeting with Zelenskyy
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that he "does not rule out" a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. But for this, Zelenskyy, he said, must come to Moscow. The Russian president announced this during a press conference on September 3.
"As for meetings with Zelenskyy, I did not rule out such meetings, is there any sense in these meetings?" he said.
Putin also added that Zelenskyy allegedly must come to Moscow if he is "ready" for the meeting.
"If Zelenskyy wants, if he is ready, let him come to Moscow, we will meet," the Russian president stated.
Zelenskyy on rejecting 'territory swap': We will not give anything to Putin
Ukraine will not give its territories to the Russian President Vladimir Putin. If he goes further, he will have to "lay down" millions of Russian soldiers, states Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a press conference with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
Zelenskyy emphasized that no one trusts Putin.
"For some, it’s just territory, but for us, it’s our life, our history, our Constitution. These are homes, these are families, these are many, many aspects that are very sensitive for Ukraine. Those who lived there and those who have now left their homes because of bombings and occupation would want to return. Yes, perhaps it’s unrealistic right now, but they will return," he said.
Russia launches over 500 drones and missiles at Ukraine, air defense works
On the night of September 3, Russian forces launched 502 drones and 24 missiles at Ukraine. Air defense forces destroyed or suppressed 451 aerial targets, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports.
According to the Ukrainian military, during the attack, radio engineering troops detected and tracked 526 aerial targets, including:
- 502 Shahed UAVs and decoy drones launched from Kursk, Bryansk, Millerovo, Oryol, Shatalovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk (Russia), and Chauda (temporarily occupied Crimea);
- 16 Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea;
- 8 Kh-101 cruise missiles from the Saratov region and Krasnodar Krai airspace.
Zelenskyy secures new air defense system from Nordic and Baltic countries
Ukraine will receive an additional air defense system from the Nordic and Baltic countries ahead of winter, stated President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a press conference with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
He noted that the sides had also discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, as it directly saves lives. Zelenskyy explained that, together with partners from the Nordic and Baltic countries, Ukraine would secure an additional system and protection ahead of winter.
The President stressed that Ukraine needs sufficient capabilities to defend itself from Russian attacks.
At least seven countries ready to host Zelenskyy-Putin meeting, says Ukraine's Foreign Minister
At least seven countries have expressed their readiness to host a top-level meeting between Ukraine and Russia. However, Moscow is also putting forward unacceptable proposals, said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
"Only increased pressure can force Russia to finally get serious about peace process," the Foreign Minister said.
